Driftwood Show a huge success

The 55th annual Driftwood Show &Glass Float Hunt in Grayland drew people from all over the Pacific Coast last weekend, raising thousands of dollars for repairs needed at the historic Grayland Community Hall.

Tanya Lana of the South Beach Arts Association is very happy with the results. Final numbers have not yet been calculated, but she estimates a net of between $5,000 and $6,000, which will be applied to upgrades to the Community Hall’s lighting, electrical and sound system.

“We will need another great year to finish the electrical,” she said via email. “The foundation is still in need of $8,000 to $12,000, but we are crossing more and more off the list.”

Opal Art Glass of Cosmopolis was the official supplier for the show’s Float Hunt. Opal artisans Johnny and Darlene Camp created all of the glass floats for the hunt, and for the show’s top awards.

The judges bestowed Best in Show honors on Craig Nichols of Aberdeen for the functioning guitar he crafted out of driftwood. His piece also won first place in the Creative Division.

The People’s Choice award winner was Trina Flannagan of the South Beach, who added multiple crystals and colored lights to a hollowed-out driftwood piece, creating an unusual nightlight. Her work was entered in the Creative and Enhanced Driftwood division.

Another big winner was Karl Nelson of Tokeland, who placed first in several divisions, including Natural Driftwood and Creative and Enhanced Driftwood.

The show was a success on all fronts, Lana said. “I have gotten so many emails on ‘best show ever’ from spectators and vendors,” she said.

Kat Bryant | GH Newspaper Group
Craig Nichols of Aberdeen won Best in Show for the functioning guitar he crafted out of driftwood.